Eight of the passengers were seriously injured, while the rest sustained minor injuries.

The passengers had just returned from a tour of Taiwan and were heading home on the chartered bus, opperated by Nakornchai Air Co to Khon Kaen province.

Mr Chuwong, the bus driver, admitted he fell asleep at the wheel, causing the bus to swerve, crash on roadside concrete blocks and overturn. Police have charged him with reckless driving, causing injuries.